Yes, I’m talking about you giving yourself a reward for achieving your end results. Well, not the total end, but for each small step along the way.

With January 1, 2009 right around the corner, I’ve already announced one of my goals; to race one event each month. I’m a believer in not becoming obsessed with goals, so one race a month equates to 12 per year. If, due to some foreseen or unforeseen circumstance, I’m unable to do one a month, but can do 2 in the same month, I’m going to include that for one of my goals. I not a proponent in letting goals be the driver of one’s life and then becoming overly obsessed with goals—in an of themselves–that they start to take over one’s life despite common sense. But, I do believe in making and setting goals and working to achieve them as part of growing, learning, and achieving.

To that end, for the next 2 months, I’m going to try an experiment. Each time I reach a goal, I’m going to “pay” myself. In essence, I’m going to earn the next item on my want list. To be sure, most of my wants are too large to just purchase as a small reward, so it will take some time to “earn” them.

Although, in the past, I had clear goals, I did not have a clear path how to achieve them. Racing once a month is an easy one for me to measure, remember and to achieve. All I have to do is register and participate. And do!

Other goals, such as broad brushed ones such as, lose 10lbs or exercise more, just don’t work for me. I need a plan–a well-thought out and achievable plan. For me, life’s responsibilities interrupt my goals, and I let it. This is one of my weaknesses. I vow not to let that happen anymore. My health is worth more. Is yours?

Plus, I have a plan!!

Each of the goals below will be done for one month with an end of month assessment:

1. As announced last week, no cake, cookies, or pastries. I know, I’ve said that eliminating a food group isn’t the recommended course of action, but I also know in the case of these particular foods, it’s better for me to just say no instead of having a small serving. As you can see, I set the time frame of one month, so I’ll reassess this particular goal at month’s end.

2. Do the Tight Ass Club at least 10 times per week. The program is only 8 minutes long, so I should be able to do it twice a day several times per week.

3. Bike or walk for at least 45 minutes twice a week. I love both of these activities, so attaining this goal should be relatively easy and attainable.

4. Bike or walk at least 1.5 hours one day per week. The only issue with this one will be the time factor, but it’s on my to-do list and is realistic and attainable.

5. Start a new 5 minute routine on my new Ab Wheel, and do it at least 10 times per week. (I will be blogging about this later.)

6. Continue to work on the 100 Push-ups Challenge (I’m still in Week 5, but improving each week). I will do this workout at least three times per week.

Everyone needs to find a system that works for them. It takes time, effort, and energy, but in the end, success is worth it.

Does this system look like something you might be able to do? Any ideas of how I might improve this?

What happened to my reward system? I’ll be posting about that next week so stay true to yourself and keep realistic goals, because

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Ave